Entertainment in Coimbra
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A
Á Capella
A tiny, 14th-century chapel transformed into a candlelit cocktail lounge, Á Capella regularly hosts the city’s most renowned fado musicians. The setting is as intimate as the music itself, with heart-rendingly good acoustics. Be forewarned that these shows cater directly to a tourist crowd, but the atmosphere and music are both superb.
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B
Café Santa Cruz
Few cafes in Portugal offer such an atmospheric backdrop. The interior, set in a dramatically beautiful high-vaulted former chapel, features stained-glass windows and graceful stone arch, while the outdoor patio area affords one of the city’s best vantage points over the popular Praça 8 de Maio. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the cafe periodically hosts free evening music events and talks. You’ll pay a bit extra here for the atmosphere, but it’s worth it.
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C
Feitoconceito
Entered through the Tabacaria Pavão downstairs, this ultrahip hideaway near Praça da República is comprised of three colourfully lit high-ceilinged rooms. The intimate vibe is best appreciated when you’re sitting cross-legged on cushions at the low tables in the innermost room. Beers cost €0.70, and caipirinhas are €14 for a tray of eight.
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D
Bar Quebra Costas
In the perfect position to sip a cold beer as you watch people puff and pant up the Quebra Costas, this Coimbra classic has a great terrace as well as a recently updated interior with sharp art on the walls. Thursday through Saturday there’s music into the wee hours, from chilled-out electronica to jazz.
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E
Café Teatro
With huge windows, minimalist decor and a long zinc bar overlooking leafy Praça da República, the cafe in the upstairs lobby of the university theatre is the place where alternative types congregate for their caffeine fix or first drink of the evening. Ticket-holders only during performances.
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F
Mondego Irish Pub
It may be a tad overpriced, but you can’t argue with this pub’s prime riverfront location, Guinness and Kilkenny on draught and live music from midnight to 3am three nights a week.
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G
English Bar
This British-style pub serves light meals downstairs and offers a bar in which to knock back draught Murphy’s upstairs. There’s a very popular Latin night on Wednesdays.
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H
Cartola Esplanada Bar
Equally popular for morning coffee and late-night beers, this perennially packed cafe with a great plaza-side location is the ideal place for a spot of student-watching.
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I
Galeria Bar Santa Clara
Arty tearoom by day and chilled-out bar at night, this terrific place has good art on the walls, a series of sunny rooms and a fine, riverfront terrace.
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J
Via Latina
Students swear by the DJs at this simple, sweaty, excellent dance club. Fridays are particularly good, when there’s occasional live music.
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K
Café Tropical
A place with pleasant outdoor seating, bohemian wall decor, cheap beers and lively crowds – a favourite place to start out the night.
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L
Restaurante O Trovador
Large and touristy but attractive, with fado on Friday and Saturday nights from October to April, nightly May to September.
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M
AAC Pub
Join the black-cape-clad students at their student-union bar, where beers are under €1 and everyone is welcome.
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N
Shmoo Café
This slick bar lays the red light on thick, making for an intimate atmosphere that attracts a chic downtown crowd.
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O
Bar Diligência
This bar hosts live music of varying quality, including occasional fado, from about 10.30pm most nights.
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P
Vinil
Another perennial favourite, where a mostly student crowd does the soft shake to predictable pop tunes.
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Vinyl
Here student crowd does the soft shake to the predictable pop tunes.
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